To pensioners and those on benefits, the local post office is not just a handy place to buy stamps its an essential facility which plays a vital role in the community.

Now we learn the Post Office has been accused of using underhand tactics to force through closures in some of Tyneside's most deprived areas.

According to the mail watchdog Postwatch, the Post Office is flouting government rules by closing some of the 23 offices in Tyneside.

It was only last year that Post Office minister Stephen Timms told Parliament post offices in urban deprived areas were to be protected by the half-mile rule.

Yet the Post Office is getting round it by proposing to close two post offices in the same constituency at the same time. This shows an amazing disregard for its customers, many of whom will be left high and dry if the closures go ahead.

The Post Office needs to think again about exploiting this loophole. It's made a commitment to Parliament and it should honour it.